BY KAREN BOSSICK
Chances are you’ve availed yourself of plenty of Zoom calls during the pandemic. But how about one with actor Keanu Reeves?
Reeves is offering a 15-minute private Zoom call as part of Camp Rainbow Gold’s online auction being held through noon Monday, June 22. He will share a glass of wine virtually, tell stories, answers questions and even teach a few karate moves depending on the winning bidder’s desires.
Reeves, a Canadian who starred in “My Own Private Idaho,” “Speed, “The Matrix” and more, has a personal connection to cancer. His sister battled leukemia.
The nonprofit organization’s executive director Elizabeth Lizberg noted that kids battling cancer are the true experts when it comes to quarantine. But she also noted that gestures like Reeves’ and others will greatly benefit the organization, which had to cancel its primary fundraiser Share Your Heart Ball with just 48 hours’ notice as the coronavirus began sweeping across the Sun Valley area.
“All this support is a game changer for us,” said Lizberg, who is conducting summer camp online this summer. “We feel like the little engine that could—a small charity in Idaho getting so much love and support to continue to provide our programs to children who have battled cancer.”
In addition to Reeves, recording artist and former fifth Harmony member Ally Brooke is donating a 15-minute private mini-concert via Zoom.
Voice animator Rob Paulsen is donating an hour-long personal experience where he will give the auction winner pointers on how he brings characters to life in “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” “Pinky and the Brain,” “Animaniacs” and “Jimmy Neutron.” He will also include signed swag and a recorded voicemail message in his package.
And a Hollywood film and TV producer will offer up “Hollywood Moon Shot,” a 30-minute session in which the lucky winner can pitch an idea or script or get advice from some of the industry’s seasoned pros.
There are also more conventional lots, including a private ski party at Rotarun Ski Area and a customized dinner in your home prepared by Vintage Restaurant chef Rodrigo Herrera. Vacation packages include trips to Stanley and Aspen.
To view all auction lots, go to www.camprainbowgold.org/auction.